Evelyn McKinney Griffin

Evelyn McKinney Griffin, 84, of Arkadelphia, Ark., passed away at Twin Rivers Health and Rehab on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. Ms. Griffin was born in Weiner, Arkansas on June 22, 1930. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Ruth Dennon Wilson; husband of 25 years Roy McKinney, and of 11 years Bufford Griffin; son, Ryan McKinney; and sister, Sue Cooper. Ms. Evelyn, as most called her, attended Harrisburg High School and Ouachita Baptist University and graduated from ASU. She served over 35 years as a teacher and librarian in Harrisburg schools and the Jonesboro Public Library. She had a big heart for giving unselfishly to the church and other organizations such as MADD, St. Judes, and many mission projects. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Harrisburg, Delta Kappa Gamma, Garden Club, Progressive Century Club, Gideons International, and Square Dance Club while living in Harrisburg. Ms. Evelyn later moved to Arkadelphia and developed a close relationship with many members of Park Hall Baptist church and the community. She also wore her red and purple attire proudly as a member of the Red Hat Society. When her health began to fail, a "new family" welcomed her at Twin Rivers Health and Rehab. She was surrounded and touched by a room full of staff who sang "Amazing Grace" to her during her final hours. She knew their personal stories and proudly told them about hers. She especially enjoyed sharing the story behind a picture of her shaking hands with the Queen of England. A world traveler, she instilled a love of travel in her family, many of whom joined in her travels. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and she was so proud of their life accomplishments and growth into successful adults. She is survived by her daughters, Karen (Jim) Johnson of Arkadelphia, and Gayle (Terry) Wixson of Fisher, Arkansas. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Ryan lee (Melissa) Wixson of St. louis, Mo.; Keesha Johnson of Bryant; Joel (Mary Beth) Wixson of Austin, Texas; Kimbra (Heath) Leverton of Stuttgart; and Teryin Wixson of Houston, Texas; and three great-grandchildren: Drew Bryant of Bryant, Ark.; Abbigayle Wixson of St. Louis, Mo.; and Carrington Wixson of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Lois Johns of Greenfield and very special friends, Joyce Helms, Barbara Bettis, and Anita Brackett. Visitation will be at Park Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia on Saturday, November 22, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 9:30 a.m. to be officiated by Bro. Craig Seale, Jamie Alexander, and Paul Nichols. Mike Martin will conduct graveside services at 3:30 p.m. in Jonesboro at Memorial Park Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are her CNAs and nurses from Twin Rivers Health and Rehab, and members of her Sunday school class. Active pallbearers for the internment will be her nephews and grandsons. Arrangements by Ruggles - Wilcox Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church. Sign the online registry book at www.ruggleswilcox.com.